Gin and Tonic

The best gin and tonic starts with cold ingredients. Chill the tonic and the glasses in the fridge before you begin. Cold tonic keeps the bubbles longer. A cold glass slows down warming. This simple step makes a real difference to the finished drink.

Fill each of 4 highball glasses to the brim with ice. The more ice, the slower the drink warms. Cut the lime into wedges on a board. The classic ratio is 1:3 - 50 ml of gin to 150 ml of tonic. This brings out the juniper notes without overpowering the flavour.

Measure approximately 50 ml of gin into each glass. Pour slowly down the side of the glass over the ice. This keeps the gin as cold as possible. Never pour the gin directly onto the ice. It will dilute faster and warm up more quickly.

Top each glass with approximately 150 ml of tonic. Pour slowly down the side of the glass. Stir once or twice, very gently. Too much stirring releases the bubbles, so the drink should stay fizzy and refreshing.

Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink to taste. Drop it into the glass as a garnish. Serve immediately, well chilled. A glass packed with ice keeps the right temperature for several minutes. Every sip should taste as refreshing as the first.